In every medical school class, students stand out not only for their academic excellence but for their integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting those around them. For the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Class of 2025, James Stallworth is one such student. A four-time Class President and future urologist, Stallworth has shaped not only his own path but also the journey of his peers throughout his medical school years.

Commencement ceremonies connect today’s graduates to centuries of academic tradition. One of the most recognizable symbols is academic regalia—the cap, gown, and hood. At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, these garments reflect pride in achievement and a longstanding commitment to academic excellence.

Tapan Mehta, Ph.D., M.S., vice chair of research within the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine, was one of four faculty members honored with the 2025 UAB Graduate Dean’s Excellence in Mentorship Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions as both a steadfast mentor and inspiring educator. 

UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) scientist Kirk Habegger, Ph.D., is featured in the Diabetes Spotlight in the May 2025 issue of Diabetes, the flagship research publication of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). 

UAB General Surgery Residency hosted its annual Resident Research Day on April 14, 2025.

On April 28, 2025, Jasmine Thum, M.D., M.S. assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, hosted a peripheral nerve education course for trainees at UAB. The event offered residents in-depth lectures and anatomic demonstrations of peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques and surgical approaches.

UAB Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Assistant Professor Sasha Still, M.D., joined UAB MedCast to discuss how aortic disease presents itself in women and potential avenues for treatment specialization.

At UAB, we are proud to be home to one of the most comprehensive brain tumor programs in the region and part of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center—Alabama’s only NCI-designated cancer center.

Two UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) members are winners of the 2025 Dean's Excellence Awards for Faculty from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.

Four faculty and staff members from the UAB Department of Surgery were recognized at the annual UAB Service Awards, which celebrates employees for their long-term dedication to UAB.

One night, Abigail Boone went to bed as her usual energetic self—a mother, a wife, a violinist, and an avid runner. By morning, her world would be turned upside down. What began as an achy leg escalated into a terrifying experience that left her barely able to move.

Harrison Walker, M.D., professor in the UAB Department of Neurology, was recently appointed as the Susan and Rodney Barstein Endowed Faculty Scholar in Parkinson’s Disease. The position was established by an endowed gift to UAB from Susan and Rodney Barstein, whose goal is to support innovative research in Deep Brain Stimulation to improve therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The UAB Department of Pathology hosted its third annual Staff Retreat on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The day-long event featured an array of speakers and team activities.

When you go to the doctor, the first thing you’re asked is, “Do you have a family history of X?” Do you know the answer?

UAB Division of Plastic Surgery Professor R. Jobe Fix, M.D., has completed 35 years of service at the UAB Department of Surgery, combining patient care and commitment to medical education.

Executive Vice Chair of Surgery Gregory Kennedy, M.D., Ph.D., begins his term this month as President of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).

Emily Johnston M.D., MS, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, was recently named as director of Pediatric Palliative Care Research and Education within the Center for Palliative and Supportive care.

We are honored to announce Claire Doss, M.D., Meredith Goldenberg, M.D., and Sam McCartney, M.D., as our pediatric co-chief residents for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine is proud to announce the 19 winners of the 2025 Dean's Excellence Awards for Faculty.

A recent grant award in the Department of Neurology serves to help investigators analyze how a group of brain cells may be responsible for changes to neural circuits that lead to the movement disorder dystonia.

Adam Baumgarten, M.D., MBA, assistant professor in the UAB Department of Urology, Departmental Value Officer, Associate Residency Program Director, and Director of Medical Student Education, has been selected to join the 2025–2026 Leadership Class of the American Urological Association (AUA) Institute for Leadership & Business. Representing the Southeastern Section, Baumgarten is a part of a nationally recognized program designed to shape the future leaders of urology.

Rena C. Patel, M.D., MPH, MPhil, has been named associate director for Global Health Research for the UAB Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH), effective May 1. In this role, Patel, who also serves as an associate professor in the UAB Division of Infectious Diseases, will leverage her considerable experience with leading large-scale research programs and collaborations to advance the priorities of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and MHIGH.

Monica Pasala, M.D., PGY1, joined the UAB Department of Neurology in June 2024. Get to know Dr. Pasala better with three quick questions!

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) recognizes Michael Neville and Vicky Ott. The two have been participating in the UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) research project for 50 years.

Scott Austin, MBA, senior advisor for Faculty Affairs, and Shane Wiley, MBA, executive administrator in the Department of Medicine, have been named 2025 Will Ferniany Academic Medicine Leadership Award recipients.

UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Assistant Professor Radhika Sharma, M.D. is featured on UAB MedCast to discuss spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

The UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the UAB Leadership Development Office (LDO) graduated the first cohort of the “Lead Infinitely” workshop series.   

The UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office recently recognized eight individuals in its sixth cohort of Sharing Authentically to Inspire and Lead (SAIL). The spring 2025 graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 8.

The UAB Department of Surgery continues to be well-represented among recipients of the prestigious James IV Traveling Fellowship, a testament to the department’s commitment to advancing surgical innovation and global collaboration.

Adam Beck, M.D., Holt A. McDowell Jr., M.D., Endowed Chair of Vascular Surgery at UAB and UAB Vascular Surgery Integrated Resident, Angela Sickels, M.D., aimed to determine what part of the population benefited from prophylactic drains. Their research on the topic was presented at the 2025 Southern Association for Vascular Surgery Annual Meeting, and was featured in the national society newsletter.